"ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Enhance Urban Services in India"

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted approval for a $400-million policy-based loan to India, specifically for sub-programme 2 within the Sustainable Urban Development and Service Delivery Programme. The overarching goal of this program is to bolster the government's reform agenda, which aims to enhance the quality of urban life through the development of high-quality infrastructure, the provision of reliable public services, and the establishment of efficient governance systems.

Sub-programme 1, previously approved in 2021, laid the foundation by establishing national-level policies and guidelines intended to uplift urban services. Sub-programme 2, the recipient of this recent funding, is focused on supporting investment planning and enacting reform measures at the state and urban local body (ULB) levels.

India's commitment to fostering cities as engines of economic growth while prioritizing their livability through inclusive, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure aligns seamlessly with ADB Strategy 2030. As emphasized by Sanjay Joshi, ADB Principal Urban Development Specialist, "The national flagship program of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 is targeted for universal access to water supply and sanitation. It seeks to ensure urban water security by reducing water losses, recycling treated sewage for non-domestic use, rejuvenating water bodies, and maintaining sustainable groundwater levels."

This initiative represents a significant step towards elevating the urban living standards in India, reinforcing the nation's focus on sustainable and inclusive urban development.

HBL